ArchiveGeorge Michael had the “best Christmas” ever this year

George Michael had the “best Christmas” ever this year.

The ‘Faith’ singer came close to death earlier in December battling life-threatening illness pneumonia, but following his recovery he is feeling better than ever and particularly enjoyed the festive period with his loved ones.

He wrote in a series of twitter posts yesterday (26.12.11): “Best Christmas I can remember, surrounded by the people I love… “And knowing that Xmas could have been very different this year for everyone at that table…..

“As it was we stuffed and laughed ourselves silly. I’m such a lucky man! I hope you all had a great one. It’s not over, of course, I have a house full of sleeping guests and a bunch more friends coming over today. Hangovers strictly forbidden :) (sic)”

Writing on twitter before Christmas Day, George told how is yet to fully regain his voice after his illness but was sure the problem would be “temporary”.

He said: “I’m back and I’m proud, though not very loud…… (which, I assure you, will be temporary!) MERRY XMAS TO ALL OF YOU! ISN’T LIFE GRAND !! X(sic)”

George had to cancel a number of dates in his Symphonica tour when he was struck down with pneumonia, and in a hastily called press conference outside his home last week, he admitted the severity of the illness had been played down to his fans.

He said: “I’d say it was touch and go for a few weeks. And I played it down, I didn’t want to worry my fans too much and I’m really sorry that I couldn’t contact them in any way before now, but I was in no state to.”